Study to focus on cancer and other diseases

Atlantic PATH’s public information session in Charlottetown

The Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health, or Atlantic PATH, is holding a public information session in Charlottetown on May 16 to discuss the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (CPTP).

The largest study of its kind in Canada, CPTP is comprised of five cohorts across the country that focus on how genetics, environment, lifestyle and behaviour contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases. Investigation of the lives of 300,000 people across Canada, including 35,000 in Atlantic Canada, is under way to explore how to prevent and better treat chronic diseases, including cancer, in the future.

This is particularly important to Atlantic Canadians since they have the highest incidence of cancer in Canada. Every year, more than 13,400 Atlantic Canadians are diagnosed with cancer and 6,300 die as a result.

Executive director, Jason Hicks, and members of the research team will be on site to engage with participants and provide an update on the Atlantic PATH partnership.

Early research conducted with data collected by Atlantic PATH will be presented, including:

· The obesity rates in Atlantic Canada are well above the national average. Among Atlantic PATH participants, 71 per cent were overweight or obese.

· One-third of participants have been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition.

· Common chronic diseases and conditions among participants include arthritis, high blood pressure, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes.

Presentations will address obesity, chronic disease and physical activity.

The PATH Partnership Update takes place at the Rodd Royalty (Brudenell Room), 14 Capital Dr., Charlottetown, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.